Rat Water Dispenser

thingiverse

I designed this for our rats as a second reliable water dispenser to ensure their always-have-access drinking needs are met. We have one that consists of a bottle connected to a tube, but its functionality isn't consistently optimal. Installing this system gives me peace of mind knowing the base holds a constant 1/4 inch of water until the bottle is depleted. The rats needed ample space to drink, yet I prevented them from standing and peeing within the same confined area by limiting it in that dimension. Notably, even when they ingest some bedding into this dispenser, our rats have chosen this over the traditional tube option. My design was intentionally built with resistance against being easily tipped over. Although a curious rat initially jumped onto the device upon initial installation, it stood firm and unswayed. Nevertheless, I anticipate potential changes in behavior as the animals grow bigger and more accustomed to interacting with it – future revisions may require increasing the base's size. Extensive water immersion without leaks over multiple days validates my success in creating this low-maintenance setup. Later, on 8/24/14, the rats successfully navigated peeing in their drink station. Thus, a redesigned base was introduced, allowing only a minute exposure for drinking – currently thwarting the pee-prone habit so far achieved thus far. Below you will find my step-by-step instructions: This bottle features 4 shell designs to minimize air pockets while creating solid water-tight seals – surprisingly even with only .05" of material depth. It necessitates perfect combination of precision and print quality. Next, printing this object without supports allows precise accuracy during water intake. I've made sure the dimensions in these shots are aligned so you get your 100% accurate version. Print this piece in any available settings which do not restrict flexibility, however avoid adding layers as there won't be anything in your way then when it dries!